
Waterford Museum of Treasures sought a new way to engage visitors with Viking history beyond traditional interpretation. The goal was to create a visitor attraction that increased engagement, extended dwell time, and used immersive storytelling to bring cultural heritage to life.
Emagine developed a location-based virtual reality experience combining a physical reconstructed longhouse with immersive VR storytelling. Visitors enter a shared interpretive environment where narrative, sound, and virtual presence combine to create a heritage attraction rather than a passive exhibit.
The project combined custom VR production, authentic historical storytelling, physical scenography, and operational deployment for public use. The experience was designed for repeatable daily operation and later expanded through portable standalone systems for schools and events.
The project established an early benchmark for immersive museum technology in Ireland and created a scalable model for heritage attractions seeking to combine visitor engagement with digital interpretation. Its continued evolution into King of the Vikings 2.0 demonstrates long-term operational value.

Q: What is location-based virtual reality for museums?
A: Location-based virtual reality for museums combines physical environments with immersive VR content to create shared visitor attractions inside a cultural venue. It helps museums interpret history in more engaging ways, increase visitor participation, and deliver experiences beyond traditional displays.
Q: What are the benefits of immersive technology for heritage attractions?
A: Immersive technology helps heritage attractions increase engagement, improve storytelling, attract wider audiences, and interpret complex history through experience rather than static information. It also creates opportunities for premium visitor experiences and educational outreach.